Dusty Baker named Houston Astros manager: Veteran skipper takes over in wake of club’s cheating scandal
Ending weeks of uncertainty, the Houston Astros announced Wednesday that Dusty Baker will become the club’s new manager..
USA TODAY Sports was first to report that Baker and the Astros had come to an agreement.
Houston is signing Baker to a one-year deal with a club option for a second year, hoping he will help lead them through their most tumultuous time in the wake of their cheating scandal.
“Throughout his successful career, Dusty has embodied the qualities that we were looking for in a manager,” owner Jim Crane said in a statement. “He’s a winner and more importantly, a strong leader who has earned the respect of not only his players, but of virtually everyone that he has touched in baseball.”
The Astros, who fired manager A.J. Hinch and GM Jeff Luhnow for their roles in the scandal, also are expected to have a shake-up of their coaching staff.
